Clavel del aire by Fernán Silva Valdés

Clavel del aire is a Tango written by Fernán Silva Valdés and composed by Juan De Dios Filiberto.

Story behind the Tango Clavel del aire

“Clavel del aire,” literally translated as “Carnation of the air,” profoundly symbolizes an ethereal or unattainable love, much akin to the delicate and free-floating nature of the plant itself. In the lyrics, the beloved is repeatedly compared to this unique flower, suggesting a love that is deeply rooted in the protagonist’s heart yet ultimately elusive and transient. The lament of the lover, mourning their departed beloved, aligns with the traditional themes of longing and loss in Tango music, cultivating an ambiance saturated with melancholy and a profound sense of yearning.

Symbolism of Clavel del aire

The recurring imagery of natural elements, notably the ‘clavel del aire’ and ‘ombú,’ imbues the lyrics with rich symbolism. The ombú, a massive solitary tree native to the Pampas of Argentina, represents the narrator’s solitary and barren state—a stark contrast to the ‘clavel del aire,’ which symbolizes the lightness and beauty of the lost love. When the narrator mentions that “Y mi ramazón secándose iba,” it vividly suggests the idea of a drying, dying tree—a metaphor for the narrator’s own withering spirit in the absence of his beloved. When the clavel del aire returns briefly to his shadow, life momentarily returns to the tree, symbolized by an “Un ave cantó en mi ramazón,” signifying brief joy or rejuvenation through love’s fleeting visit.

Clavel del aire in historic Context

Recorded in 1962, during a period where Argentina was experiencing significant social and political changes, “Clavel del aire” reflects, in part, a nostalgic echo to simpler, rural life that resonates with the cultural imagery of traditional Argentinean landscapes like the Pampas. The use of local idioms and regional references, such as the “viento pampero,” a wind known for its intensity and power in the Pampas, further connects the story to specific geographical and cultural contexts, emphasizing the strong ties to nature and native elements that are frequently found in Tango lyrics.

Fernán Silva Valdés

Fernán Silva Valdés was an Uruguayan poet known for his profound and emotive contributions to literature, often incorporating strong rural and native elements into his works.